The first drill riser buoyancy modules capable of withstanding nearly 5,000 psi
(c. 350 bar) pressure at 11,000 feet (c. 3,350 meters) below the surface, have
been developed and manufactured by Trelleborg Offshore in response to the
demands of deep water exploration.

The new syntactic foam buoyancy modules were designed and manufactured for
Transocean Inc. for use in the Indian Ocean on their latest deepwater drilling
rig, the “Dhirubhai Deepwater KG1”. Manufactured at the newly-expanded
Trelleborg facility in Houston, Texas, the modules use buoyancy technology
developed during years of research and testing to ensure it can withstand the
extreme 11,000ft marine environment.

“Our investment in a state-of-the-art research and development facility and
expanded testing capabilities means we can respond very rapidly to our
customers’ demands”, explains Todd Grahn, Sales Manager for Trelleborg Offshore
US.

The Trelleborg Offshore drill riser buoyancy modules are constructed from a low-
density composite syntactic foam and macrospheres. The composite syntactic foam
is then encased within a durable external skin which includes Trelleborg’s
exclusive module integrity system called “Ultra MIS”.

“It’s a very exciting time,” continues Todd. “Exploration is continually pushing
back the boundaries and demanding more from technology so we are constantly
striving to develop new products. The next stage of 15,000 feet (c. 4,500
metres) is already going through testing and we will be ready to supply when the
need arises.”

Trelleborg Offshore

www.trelleborg.com/offshore

::Design World::

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Filed Under: Materials • advanced

 

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